Veterans Day Rites Nov. 11 At Francis Field

The annual Veterans Day Ceremony, beginning at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Francis Field on Castillo Drive, will be hosted by the Veterans Council of St. Johns County with assistance from the Florida National Guard and the Ancient City Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

Speaker will be Brig. Gen. Craig C. Crenshaw, United States Marine Corps, currently assistant deputy Commandant for Installations and logistics, Marine Corps Headquarters at the Pentagon. The ceremony will begin with a minute or more of sustained gun and cannon fire, to simulate the barrage that was constant throughout World War One and which ended precisely at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

This ceremony honors all veterans, living and deceased, who have defended St. Augustine for the last 459 years and provided the continuous occupation of which the city is so very proud. Both re-enactors wearing uniforms of the past and some active duty currently serving men and women of the military services will pass before the spectators. There will also be static displays.

The field will be open at 9:30 a.m. for the public. The Salvation Army and the Lions Club will provide water.

Parking is not allowed on the field itself but the parking facility is right next door.Â The drop-off lane will be available for that purpose but not for parking. For further information contact Lt. Col.(retired) Harry Metz at amazingmetz@yahoo.com.